'Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the development of relations of strategic partnership with its neighbours, especially with Russia. In general, we are satisfied with the significant results achieved in the development of cooperation with Russia in the political, economic, trade, humanitarian and other spheres.' This was stated in an interview with RIA Novosti by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

'Cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union also develops on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation and mutual respect, although the relations between Azerbaijan and Russia and Azerbaijan and the European Union develop in different planes, they serve, first of all, the benefit of our peoples,' the FM said.

According to him, Azerbaijan sees its participation in cooperation projects not as something exclusive, but as an inclusive component.

'That is, our participation in any partner project cannot serve against the interests of other partners, there is no such purpose or intention. As the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Russia does not affect the relations between the EU and Azerbaijan, our relations with the European Union do not affect the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, which have a strategic component,' he said.